Folding table



PATENTED JAN. 12, 1904.

W. J. MARRETT.

FOLDING TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 1, 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

[NVENTOR MZZZazmZMarreti;

' v BY 4 g I Aftomey UNITED STATES Patented January 12, I904.

PATENT OFFICE.

FOLDING TABLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 749,571, dated January 12, 1904. Application filed July I, 1903. Serial No. 163,927. (No model.)

. specification.

portation.

This invention relates to folding tables, the object in view being to provide a simple, light, and portable folding table which is especially designed for the use of paper-hangers and known in connection with the art as a pasting-table.

While the improvements hereinafter described are especially designed with reference to a paper-hangers table, it will be apparent as the description proceeds that the invention is capable of use in connection with tables for other purposes.

With the above general object in view the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts, as hereinafter fully described, illustrated, and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an underneath perspective view of a folding table constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown set up in readiness for use. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sec-' tion through the same. Fig. 3 is an end view of the table. Fig. 4 is acentral cross-section through the same. Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the table folded and ready for trans- Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing the separable hingejoint between the braces and the hinge-block.

Like reference-numerals designate corresponding parts in the figures of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a table-top of any preferred size or dimensions,

the table-top being preferably long in proportion to its width for enabling a paper-hanger to measure, cut off, and paste the difierent lengths of paper to be applied to a wall.

In carrying out the present invention the table has applied to its under side and at or near each end thereof a cleat 2, extending practically all the way across the table-top. To each of said cleats is connected by hinges 3 a leg 4, which is preferably constructed in the form of an X, the lower portions of the paper-hanging members of each leg being connected by a cross-bar 5, which is centrally provided with a tenon-hole 6, extending obliquely therethrough, the purpose of which will hereinafter appear. The upper end of each leg is so connected with its respective cleat 2 that the upper extremities of the members of the leg abut squarely against the lower side of the cleat and limit the outward-swinging movement of the leg, while the' hinges 3 permit the leg to fold inward and upward against the under side of the table-top, as shown in Fig. 5.

Arranged centrally of the table-top and firmly secured to the lower surface thereof is a combined hinge-block and handle 7, which carries at its opposite ends hinge members 8, to which are connected a pair of oppositelyextending braces 9, which carry at their upper inner ends the complemental members 10 of the hinge. The members 8 and 10 of each hinge are provided with overlapping and interfitting knuckles 11, adapted to receive a removable hinge-pin 12, so that the braces 9 may be disconnected from the hinge-block 7 when it is desired to fold the table. Each of the braces 9 is provided at its opposite or outer and lower end with a tenon 13, insertible in and removable from the hole 6 in the cross-piece 5, hereinabove described and as clearly shown in Fig. 1. The hinge-block 7 is also provided with a pair of downwardly-extending ears or lugs 14, to which is connected an interposed handle or grip 15, which enables the folded table to be carried from place to place. At opposite sides of the combined hinge-block and handle 7 are arranged spacing-blocks 16, against which the extremities of the legs 4 rest when folded, as shown in Fig. 5. Connected with each spacing-block 16 is a pivoted button or keeper 17, adapted when the legs are folded to project over the extremities of the legs and hold the latter in their folded position, as shown in Fig. 5. The spaces between the blocks 16 and the hinge-block 7 are sufficient to receive the braces 9, and the cleats 2 are provided with sockets 18 to receive the tenons 13 when the braces are placed fiatwise against the bottom of the table-top in the manner shown in Fig. 5. When so placed, the braces 9 are prevented from moving endwise and getting out of place by means of end stops 19, secured to the bottom of the table-top in line with the spaces between the blocks 7 and 16.

2O designates a pair of pins insertible through registering openings in the cross-pieces 5 and tenons 13 for preventing the accidental withdrawal of the tenons during the use of the table. The pins are secured permanently to the braces 9 by means of cords or other flexible connections 21. I

In order to fold the table, the hinge-pins 12 are removed, which allows the braces to be detached from the legs by withdrawing the tenons 13. The braces are then laid in the spaces between the blocks 7 and 16, the tenons 13 being inserted in the sockets 18, while the opposite ends of the braces lie in close proximity to the end stops 17. The legs are then folded inward to the position shown in Fig. 5 and the buttons or keepers 17 turned so as to engage the extremities of the legs, as shown in said figure. The table is thus compactly folded and is well adapted for storage or transportation.

I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction and arrangement hereinabove set forth, and accordingly reserve the right to make such changes in the form, proportions, and minor details of construction as properly fall within the scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is A folding table comprising a table-top,

cleats secured at opposite sides and to the under portion thereof, said cleats having sockets adapted to receive the end braces, legs hinged to said cleats and adapted to fold inward toward each other, said legs being constructed in an X shape, the lower portions of the members of each leg being connected by a cross-bar 5 provided with a central oblique tenon-hole and a vertical aperture, both extending therethrough a hinge-block arranged centrally of the table-top and secured to the lower surface thereof, hinge members secured at the opposite ends thereof, braces rearwardly pivoted at one end to the hinge members and having their opposite ends provided with a tenon, said tenons having apertures adapted to register with the vertical apertures of the cross-bars of the legs, said tenons being adapted to be removably inserted in the tenon-holes of the cross-bars, pins attached to the braces by flexible connections adapted to be inserted through the registering apertures, lugs on the hinge-block, a handle secured thereto, spacing-blocks at opposite sides of the hinge-block said blocks being positioned far enough from the hinge-block to receive the braces, and buttons pivoted to the spacing-blocks.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM J. MARRETT. Witnesses:

JAMEs P. ALEXANDER, JUsTUs O. DUNBAR. 

